The Two Selves – Understanding Human Judgment in Organizational Behavior

Welcome to the new series on **organizational behavior**! In our first episode, we uncover fascinating insights into the **fallibility of human judgment** and the powerful biases that shape our decisions and perceptions. We start by examining the **peak-end rule** and **duration neglect**—the ways in which we tend to remember experiences based on their most intense moments and final impressions, often disregarding the overall duration. This can lead to flawed retrospective judgments, especially in scenarios involving discomfort or pain.

We’ll also explore the concept of the **two selves**—the experiencing self, which lives in the present, and the remembering self, which creates memories and drives future decisions. This distinction challenges the notion that we always make rational choices, revealing how our remembering self can override real experiences, potentially leading to biased decisions.

Through examples like the **cold-hand immersion study**, we see how people might even choose longer, uncomfortable experiences based on how they remember them, highlighting a divergence from the idea that we always seek to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

Finally, we turn these insights inward, posing the thought-provoking question: Should we focus on maximizing present enjoyment, or are we more driven by the stories and memories we create? This episode encourages self-reflection on how these biases influence both personal and professional lives, guiding listeners to consider the values and priorities that shape their decisions in and outside the workplace. Tune in for a fresh perspective on human behavior and the surprising psychology behind our choices!